The Mel Gibson apology followed his arrest in 2006 for drinking and
driving. While in custody, Gibson repeatedly insulted the arresting
officers with a barrage of anti-Semitic and racist comments.
At one point Gibson confronted the Jewish officer with the
following:
“[expletive] Jews… The Jews are responsible for all
the wars in the world. Are you a Jew?”
Many of the other statements were not released to the public.
The Mel Gibson Apology
After the incident, Gibson issued this apology:
"After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of
things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed.
I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the LA
County Sheriffs. The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel
fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other
person. I acted like a person completely out of control when I was
arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are
despicable.
I am deeply ashamed of everything I said. Also, I take this
opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent
behavior. They have always been there for me in my community and indeed
probably saved me from myself.
I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I
am truly sorry. I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of
my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse. I apologize for
any behavior unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already
taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health."
In a separate Gibson apology the actor stated:
"There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone
who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic remark. I want to
apologize specifically to everyone in the Jewish community for the
vitriolic and harmful words that I said to a law enforcement officer the
night I was arrested on a DUI charge."
Mel Gibson Apology Evaluation
Leaving aside the question of whether Mel retains any lingering
anti-Semitic or racist beliefs, the Gibson apology, regardless of any
internal demons, was well crafted. The fact that Gibson’s popularity and
career have been irreparably damaged as a result of his actions is an
admittedly high price.
The question is whether the aftershocks following the Gibson apology are
too high a price to pay. But considering the gravity of his statements and
what they say to his fans about his character, many of his critics believe
he got what he deserved.
His most recent critically acclaimed movie, "The Beaver", performed
poorly at box office and continues to underwhelm in rental sales. It's not
entirely clear from subsequent reports whether his apology was followed with
a genuine commitment to deal with his demons. Judging by his response to
repeated questions from the press regarding this incident the jury is still
out.
